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January 30, 1977 : Bhuvanesvara

Satsvarupa: In Bhuvanesvara, just before 3 a.m. on the morning of January 30, Srila Prabhupada began dictating the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam. One of his servants in the next room heard through the wall and became so excited that he awakened the other devotees. His voice, although faint, could be clearly heard. Prabhupada's patient description of each of the ninety chapters was the epitome of faithful rendering of parampara knowledge - without concoction, interpretation, addition, or subtraction. Sitting up on their blankets, the devotees listened; they would not return to sleep. It was an important, historic moment.

The Tenth Canto begins five thousand years ago, when the entire world was oppressed by demonic rulers, and Prabhupada was comparing the situation then to the present situation. "Without reference to the supreme power of the Personality of Godhead, demons assert themselves to be independent kings and presidents, and thus they create a disturbance by increasing their military power. When such disturbances are very prominent, Krishna appears. At present also, various demonic states all over the world are increasing their military power in many ways, and the whole situation has become distressful. Therefore Krishna has appeared by His name in the Hare Krishna movement, which will certainly diminish the burden of the world. Philosophers, religionists, and people in general must take to this movement very seriously, for man-made plans and devices will not help bring peace on earth."

Srila Prabhupada was like a field general in his tent, and his disciples were like his infantry men. They knew they were hearing his battle strategies even before the information was disseminated through the chain of command. They were thrilled. With faith they heard that just as Krishna had defeated the demonic rulers, so the Krishna consciousness movement would counteract the demonic culture of the present age. Later, on the morning walk, one of the devotees mentioned to Prabhupada that they were planning to put his name on a sign on the door, saying that on January 30 at 2:50 a.m., Srila Prabhupada began the Tenth Canto. Prabhupada was pleasantly surprised that they had heard him.


Reference: Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Volume 6 - Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami